Embracing Nature’s Cold Therapy

In a time when the convenience of ice baths in tubs has become the norm, Leah Scott explores the deeper, often forgotten sacredness of immersing in natural rivers and lakes — revealing how this ancient ritual can lead to transformative shifts in well-being and guide you toward a more authentic, grounded life

Words Leah Scott and Aaron Boller.  Published May 2025

In the midst of the burgeoning interest in ice bathing, it’s crucial to revisit the traditional and profound practice of immersing oneself in the natural waters of rivers and lakes. This ancient ritual, often overshadowed by the convenience of modern plastic tubs, offers a unique connection to the elements and a pathway to profound personal growth. I invite you to journey with us as we explore the transformative power of engaging with nature’s own cold therapy.

Picture yourself wandering barefoot along the banks of the Thredbo River. The direct contact with the Earth allows our bodies to absorb its subtle negative charge, akin to a gentle recharge of ‘natures battery’ for our cells’ mitochondria—reducing cellular stress and revitalizing our energy. This grounding process mirrors the function of a battery, with the Sun as the positive pole and the Earth as the negative. Such grounding decreases energy demands on our mitochondria, fostering better sleep quality through normalised cortisol levels and circadian rhythm, neutralising free radicals, balancing pH and electrolytes, and synchronising our internal biological clocks with the natural environment.

As you gather the courage to enter the ice water, it’s completely natural to feel resistance and hesitation. Psychologically, this challenge releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to motivation, pursuit, and surprisingly, the anticipation of pleasure. The act of river plunging becomes truly fascinating here. As you ease into the water, your sympathetic nervous system, the body’s fight-or-flight response, is highly activated, causing your heart to race and breath to quicken. By taking a deep, intentional breath and a long exhale, you start to transition into a state of calm to stabilise yourself. This transition, stimulating the vagus nerve, activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, allowing relaxation.

When we enter the ice water, it stimulates the temperature and pain receptors on our skin, setting off a warmth-generating process. Our white fat begins burning for heat, while brown fat ramps up energy use, and shivering may begin if this is your first time. Our cardiovascular system, our veins, arteries and vessels especially in our peripherals, hands and feet constrict and our warm blood makes its way to our core, flushing out the organs. ‘Survival mode’ or cardiovascular training, short-term is a beautiful physiological process.

Did you know that the simple act of listening to running water stimulates our vagus nerve, calming our minds? Natural water is an electromagnetic capacitor, (a battery that holds charge and memories). Water is timeless, with the support of sunlight, negative ions and it’s flow. But to describe this feeling within my body, I will use the terms ‘superhuman’ and ‘limitless,’ have you seen the movie?

The way you respond, feel and face the stress in the river and the outside environment, mirrors the way you respond to stress and your relationships in your daily life. It is a test of our ability to manage and adapt to sudden changes , much like unexpected challenges in life. This practice serves as a training ground, a pathway that I assure you will trail you emotionally, psychological, physically, and spiritually resilience. This is more than just a cold dip; it’s a path to understanding ourselves better. By embracing these difficult moments consciously, we can explore and heal the deeper issues within us, rather than avoiding them. We are cleansed, it is a ‘let go’.

Life is full of unchosen suffering—loss of loved ones, illness, fights with co-workers, sick kids and other hardships. By deliberately choosing to face moments of discomfort, like a plunge in cold water, we build resilience. This prepares us to better handle life’s inevitable difficulties without abandoning ourselves. To truly grow, we must be willing to face not only the external challenges but also the internal conflicts. This involves breaking free from old patterns and illusions to live authentically.  

True growth comes from within, often requiring us to confront our traumas and embrace our inner strength. This isn’t about following the crowd or external advice; it’s about trusting your instincts and inner voice, guiding your personal evolution. Embracing these waters is not merely about seeking thrills; it’s about discovering the depths of our own strength and resilience.

Now is the time to adapt, face your fears, and cultivate deeper resilience. This experience creates a ripple effect, shaping the calm, awakened individuals we can become. Do you want to understand yourself better? Do you want to understand your reactions and live a more contemplative life?

Starting to live from the inside out and getting to know ourselves first, to end some of the internal wars waged within your mind. To live a life of truth instead of constant patterns, distortion and illusion. If you wish to accomplish something you’ve never achieved, you must be willing to do things you’ve never done before. Growth begins with a willingness to face your hardships and traumas, the darker sides that we all have. Coming back to the warrior within and the realisation that no one is coming to save you.

Now is not the time to follow the crowd, listen to the ‘science’. It’s time to follow your instinct, your intuition, the knowing, the inner voice within. You are here for your evolution. And it can begin simply, with a step into the river. leahscott.net

You might be interested in some of Leah’s other articles
10 simple and natural ways to balance your immune system here
Breath and Cold here
and, Taking Wim Hof around the world here